MONTGOMERY, Alabama-- A controversial comment made by Governor Robert Bentley just hours after his inauguration ceremony has many al.com readers debating if his Christian-based comments were a violation of the separation of church and state, or simply an expression of his personal faith.

"There may be some people here today who do not have living within them the Holy Spirit," Bentley said. ''But if you have been adopted in God's family like I have, and like you have if you're a Christian and if you're saved, and the Holy Spirit lives within you just like the Holy Spirit lives within me, then you know what that makes? It makes you and me brothers. And it makes you and me brother and sister."

Bentley added, ''Now I will have to say that, if we don't have the same daddy, we're not brothers and sisters. So anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother."

"The issue is not about religion. Devout Christians will look at his comments and say 'What a great guy for standing up for his faith.' Others will look at it and, at the very least, consider it intentionally exclusionary, and of course there will always be the church/state arguments. But the real problem is that it shows poor judgment."- classaxn

"It amazes me when it's okay for all the foul language we hear in person, on radio, & television. But, it's not okay for someone to speak on their faith. He told all of us up front, 'here are my thoughts.' Alabamians, please concentrate on helping the new governor govern. We wonder why our children are so angry, look in the mirror. Stop the attacks."- masseyglobal

"We have separation of church and state so that a man of faith who also happens to be a politician can't speak to an audience of faith about faith topics? The idea of separation of church in state was intended by Jefferson to assuage fears by churches that the government would not violate the American idea of freedom of religion - the kind of freedom that generally allows a man of faith, regardless of his profession, to express his faith to a faith audience."- Dantheman275

"If Bentley can separate his religious beliefs with his governorship, then we will be alright. If not, well, its going to be the same backwards trajectory we've historically made as a state."- blue4225

"This country is now afraid of taking a stand, afraid of offending someone. We won't remain a country as we know it unless we take a stand for what makes us who we are. The new governor took a stand today. It's his job. He did it right."- woetoyou

"If he truly is a Christian, that will show forth in the way he treats people. If he is a wolf in sheep's clothing, we'll soon know that too."- flavorfreak

"Well I guess since our President openly practices his Muslim beliefs, I have no problem with our Gov openly practicing his Christian beliefs. He is after all, only stating biblical facts. And facts that this country was founded on. Not in public so as not to breach any constitutional amendments, but in a Christian church. Preach on Gov as far as I'm concerned."- bamerhellyea

"I'm a believer, but I see absolutely no reason for giving an 'alter call' or a personal testimony. Help us understand, Governor. What did that statement accomplish other than to appear to boast about your own piety and consequently, offend others?"- dhb

"Such a divisive religious statement has no business coming out of the mouth of an elected official. We are and should be a secular society governed by laws."- elbon